Here’s our updated Big South men’s basketball power rankings based on games played through February 8th.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of KenPom.com. Arrows denote movement in power rankings since last ranking.
1. UNC-Asheville 17-8, 10-3 #125
1
Chaos runs rampant through the Big South, but not for the Bulldogs who have been the most steady team all year long. UNCA’s 3 conference losses have all come on the road, by an average of less than 4 points per game, and against top half of the conference teams (Radford, High Point, Coastal). Freshman Dylan Smith leads Asheville in points and rebounds.
This week: 2/11 vs Radford
2. Coastal Carolina 15-8, 9-4 #154
2
The Chanticleers are arguably the hottest team in the league as they’ve won 7 straight. The 2-time defending Big South Champion is putting themselves in position to make a run at a 3rd straight title. Coastal has overtaken Liberty as the top scoring defense in the conference and also ranks first in scoring margin.
This week: 2/11 vs High Point, 2/13 vs Gardner-Webb
3. Liberty 11-15, 8-5 #267
5
If Ritchie McKay isn’t named Big South Coach of the Year, it will be a crime. The Flames are winners of 6 straight and 8 of their past 10. Prior to the last 10 games, Liberty was 0-13 against Division I opponents this season.
This week: 2/13 @ Longwood
4. Winthrop 16-7, 8-4 #166
3
The Eagles were riding a 7 game win streak, with all wins coming by double figures, until they ran into Liberty. Winthrop has 9 days off from their loss to the Flames until they hit the hardwood again Thursday night against Longwood.
This week: 2/11 vs Longwood, 2/13 @ Radford
5. Gardner-Webb 13-12, 8-5 #219
1
The Runnin’ Bulldogs have been a streaky team this season, opening the new year on a 5 game win streak, then losing 4 straight, and now riding a 3 game win streak. Tim Craft hopes his team will be hot as they enter the first week of March in Buies Creek.
This week: 2/11 @ Campbell, 2/13 @ Coastal Carolina
6. Radford 13-11, 6-6 #207
3
The Highlanders dropped their only game this week, losing to Coastal Carolina by 12 on Saturday. Rashun Davis’ four 3-pointers and 22 points were not enough as Radford dropped their 9th straight to the Chanticleers.
This week: 2/11 @ UNC-Asheville, 2/13 vs Winthrop
7. High Point 14-9, 7-5 #170
2
In mid-January, the Panthers looked like the class of the league and that they might run away with the regular season championship, but they have lost 5 out of their last 7 games including back-to-win home losses.
This week: 2/11 @ Coastal Carolina, 2/13 vs Charleston Southern
8. Longwood 8-17, 4-8 #301
2
Longwood has picked up consecutive wins after dropping 4 straight. Their wins last week came against Campbell and Charleston Southern by a combined 3 points. The stakes get much tougher this week with games against 2 of the hottest teams in the league.
This week: 2/11 @ Winthrop, 2/13 vs Liberty
9. Charleston Southern 8-16, 4-9 #294
2
The Buccaneers are reeling, losing 5 straight include a home loss in double overtime to Longwood. Barclay Radebaugh & company will try to right the ship Thursday night against PC.
This week: 2/11 vs Presbyterian, 2/13 @ High Point
10. Presbyterian 8-15, 3-9 #313
1
Another year, another bottom half conference finish is on the horizon for the Blue Hose. Greg Nibert’s bunch have lost 5 straight games. Presbyterian hasn’t finished with a winning conference record in their 8 years in the Big South.
This week: 2/11 @ Charleston Southern, 2/13 vs Campbell
11. Campbell 8-15, 2-11 #314
no change
How hot is Kevin McGeehan’s seat getting in Buies Creek? This is his 3rd season at Campbell, and he’s well on his way to a 3rd straight 20 loss season. The Camels have fewer conference wins in each of his 3 seasons as well going from 6 wins in his first season, to 4 wins last year. Campbell currently is 2-11 in Big South play and have lost 10 straight games.
This week: 2/11 vs Gardner-Webb, 2/13 @ Campbell
